The Commanding General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has issued operating licenses to 29 successful private security companies, endorsed by the Home Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Audi, in a statement by Director of Body, Public Relations, DCC Olusola Odumosu instructed new entrants in the industry to be accountable for themselves in the face of growing security challenges in the country and thus, contribute their quota to the promotion internal security mechanisms.

He told them to be aware that tackling the threat of insecurity in Nigeria requires a collective and collaborative effort by all government and private security agencies, including Nigerians, as the new wave of crime being committed by criminals, bandits, terrorists and insurgents is asymmetrical in nature and therefore requires a serious confrontational approach.

Dr Audi argued that private custody practitioners must collaborate with the Corps, especially in the area of ​​credible intelligence gathering, as the nation is bleeding from insecurity at the moment, describing the situation as very worrying and worrying. , as such, only timely intelligence sharing with the Corps as their oversight agency could enhance homeland security.

He instructed the new grantees to strictly abide by the law governing their operations and urged them to ensure the prompt annual renewal of their licenses to avoid being repressed due to the violation of the rules by the special task force. CG established to oversee and monitor their operations and activities at all levels.

The Civil Defense boss specifically reminded private security operators that the security sector is not everyone’s business, therefore, practitioners must place the nation’s internal security at the forefront and above any commercial interest. While warning that their licenses are not transferable, he also cautioned them against the use of firearms.

“There would be no carrying of firearms in your operations, it is illegal and criminal to do so, anyone caught is on their own and should be prepared to face the consequences. However, you are free to go to the NSCDC training nearest to you for assistance whenever you face insurmountable challenges,” Audi said.

In a similar vein, the National President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Mr. Wilson Esagbedo, has described the private guard industry as the largest employer of manpower. country’s work, backing up its claims with statistics published by the Bureau of Statistics. .

He advised them to take full advantage of the expanding private security guard industry to contribute their quota to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Chief Benjamin Omale of Black Tigers Security Services Limited appreciated the NSCDC boss for making the first batch of 2022 presenting licenses to new private security companies a reality. He promised that the recipients would rely on the Corps’ advice to advance the course of security in Nigeria.